City introduces Restriction Exemption Program at city facilities

Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2021

Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat will be following guidance from the Government of Alberta to introduce a Restriction Exemption Program (REP) at some city-operated facilities.

The REP will be in place at the following facilities:

Co-op Place
Effective 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021

Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre
Effective Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Big Marble Go Centre & Kinplex
Effective Friday, October 1, 2021

Hockey Hounds
Not at this time. Continuing to evaluate in consultation with user groups.

For facilities where the REP is implemented, anyone 12 years of age and older, not entering the facility as part of a youth sports organization, will be required to show:

  • Immunization record
    • A single dose of COVID-19 vaccination will be accepted between September 23  and October 25 as long as it was received two weeks before the date of entry into a city facility
    • Proof of double vaccination will be required after October 25
  • Proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test no more than 72 hours before entry
  • Medical exemption letter

In addition, anyone 18 years and older must also produce valid, government-issued identification. Patrons under the age of 12 will be permitted to enter the city-facility without being subject to screening.

The city will introduce the REP through a phased approach in order to accommodate user groups and general participation.

Mandatory masking requirements and physical distancing remain in place at all city facilities. Visit the Government of Alberta website for more information regarding the REP and COVID-19 restrictions.

Other public facilities not implementing the REP at this time will continue to follow Alberta Health restrictions, including reduced occupancy and programming adjustments.

The city continues to encourage all eligible residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and follow the restrictions that are currently in place, and to show compassion, empathy and tolerance to our fellow community members. 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

media@medicinehat.ca